Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Work, Fun and Shut Down.

My whole body is aching. My joints, my back and shoulders are in pain. Nope, not because i'm aging and have a sudden liking for rice pudding. It has to be me out-doing myself.

Yesterday, my group member managed to hand in the assignment, a few minutes short of the 8 am deadline, but at least it has been handed in! And as it was handed in, i was nicely sleeping at home since 6. Not 6 pm, but two hours before the deadline yesterday morning!

For two nights, i haven't been sleeping due to this irritating assignment! On Friday night, if you have read the one of the previous entries, was when i was in the Cyber Cafe listening to the focus group and penning down the focus group discussion word-by-word. Later that Saturday afternoon, i was so sleepy that i was sleeping while i was driving! I thank God for His slap to my face when my eyes were closed shut while the car was moving and the jolts that came through me as i dozed off in front of the traffic light till it turned green. Seriously, driving to church and from there back home was no joy ride. Thank goodness i sent Daniel Sim back home, though his house is situated totally opposite of where i stayed. At least having a conversation with him about the youths kept me alert till he was off the car.

Supposedly, the assignment was done by Sunday afternoon after church, or at least my part is done. Rushing back home after lunch with Justin and Kevan, i headed back home, checked the work Yen Yen sent me, editted it and sent it back along with my part which was completed on Saturday night. Later that afternoon, i headed down to UKRC (Ulu Klang Recreation Centre) for a game of Captain Ball!

Yes, it was the first time that the youth organised this game. At least in this game, anyone can participate even if he can't play football (READ: yours truly) and girls can take part in it as not cheer-leading for the winning team! I mean, we as guys must be fair to them, as we lov... i mean, are kind to them! Yes, we're gentlemen, you know!

As this is the first time the youth playing this game, Justin the referee, set down a few rules (which happened to be more than what Rowen thought a game of Captain Ball should have when i told him about it):

1. No long-throws (don't throw more than half the court)
2. Only the girls can score the goal (we're kinder to the fairer sex)
3. The ball must be passed to a team member of the opposite sex (again, kinder!)
4. In an attack, a player must not hold the ball more than once.


And in the end, the youths discovered that Captain Ball is indeed a sweet game! And it was sweeter being in the winning team! I guess we'll be playing this again this coming Sunday?

At night, i had dinner with the family. And after that, did i only discovered from Pek Mei that the parts of the assignments are not done yet! At that time, i really don't know what to do? To help out or step away since my part of the assignment is done.

At the end, after a few games of DotA at Justin's after dinner, i've been told that the last part, the most crucial part was not done yet. At 3 am in the morning (Monday morning, FYI if you got lost in the timeline of my story) I agreed to get it done. Again, i stepped into the oh-so-familiar CC and typed out the conclusion based on the results from the research. And an hour later, i was out of the CC, that part of the work sent out, and walked home.

I've learnt a few things about doing group assignments, and i hope to apply this in the other assignment that are in pending status:

1. Make sure there's no communication breakdown! Speak clearly and know what's going on!
2. Don't assume everyone knows what they're doing. Do check up on the progress of others. For to ASSUME, is to make an ASS out of U and ME!
3. Set aside personal agendas and group work. Work and play mixes like water and oil, unless you're a game reviewer. That's a totally different story.
4. Write down what you are suppose to do. Better still, pen down who in the group does what for the assignment.
5. Plan time ahead!


By 6 am, i popped in DC TALK's Supernatural CD into the CD player, and slept through it. My battered fatigue body and weary eyes needed its much needed sleep.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Monday, March 27, 2006

Rubber Fried Chicken

Two Sundays ago, i attended the UTAR March 2006 Convocation. Not that i wanted to be there to look at graduates receiving their degree certificates, but it was for my assignment. I had to cover the story has part of my mock campus newspaper assignment.

Anyway, that afternoon after a playful time at the Cyber Cafe, an eventful lunch at McDonald's with the youths and insightful youth leaders' meeting, i headed to Wisma MCA, where the event was held. By the time i got there, the guest speaker has already gave his speech, and the certificates were given out, as parents were waiting and watching the ceremony as the day turned dark and gloomy.

I waited, and as the now-officially announced graduates moved out of the hall, i took pictures of them in groups, gathering with family members and friends. And i also bumped into my classmates covering the assignment. But more interestingly, i managed to bump into my seniors, who i have not met in awhile.

In the end, i managed to interview three of them, a great turn of event as i thought i was only going to interview Pamela, one of the ex-Cf members-turned-graduate. I was glad that it rained that day, or i wouldn't be able to do the interviews, or get good shots. Even my classmates told me that i got better shots than they did!

Lesson learnt: It's good to know people, nothing can go wrong with having too many friends, for in dire circumstances, they are the light of solutions! And without God's strength, wisdom and courage, i tasks i do are in vain and useless.

I guess you readers are wondering what's with the entry's title? On the way home, i went to the hypermarket near my house and purchased a couple of them at a cheap price of RM 1.20. And it tasteless and horrible! Notice that i'm not using the word cheap loosely. That's RM 2.40 that i'll never see again.

And i need to get the articles typed and printed for the assignment.


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Saturday, March 25, 2006

The Reasons!

It's a couple of hours since i left the Cyber Cafe, and now i found myself updating the blog from the familiar screen of the computer in the Internet Lab half-awake.

I got this from Oliver's blog. And being the mischeivous bachelor as i am, I agree with every single statement stated below. Read it and you'll definately agree with me. But if you're Justin or someone who's currently attached and you're reading this, i guess you'll agree too!


REASONS why LIFE without a GIRL FRIEND is cool.

1. You can stare at any Girl……

2. You don’t have to spend money on her.

3. You won’t get boring result in your board papers.

4. No girlfriend, no emotional blackmailing.

5. If you don’t have a girlfriend, she can’t dump you.

6. Having a girlfriend is hot, not having a girlfriend is automatically cool, and everyone loves to be cool guy.

7. This can be more to life than just waiting for the bloody phone to ring.

8. You won’t have to tolerate someone else defining, “right” and “wrong” for you.

9. Girlfriend can get so possessive that you can’t do anything according to your wishes anymore.

10. You can buy gifts for mom, dad, sis or grandpa instead of a girlfriend and have a happier family life.

11. You won’t have to waste paper writing love letters

12. No more endless waiting for your date to arrive at some weird shop/place.

13. You can have more friends, as you will have more time for them.

14. You won’t have to see boring love stories instead of action thrillers.

15. You won’t have to tell lie to anybody and, therefore, you’ll sin less.

16. You can have a good night’s sleep-no need to dream about her.

17. You won’t have to fight over having a ‘special’ friend with your folks.

18. No nonstop nonsense.

19. No tension

20. You can be “yourself”

21. You won’t have to hide your telephone bills.

22. You won’t have to drown in the pool of her tears.


HA!~


Love & Peace!~


BC?

WOW!`

Till today, i've never been in a Cybercafe for so long, or till this late (or early) in the morning. Even sitting down for so long can be equally as irritating as standing over a period of four hours.

All because i needed to write down transcripts for my assignment. Apparently, after the focus group was done, we were told to write down word by word, for the assignment. Thank goodness Yen Yen recorded the whole discussion. If not, we'll be closing one eye, and creating our own story. Now that would be unethical!

But i'm here, with the headphones over my hot, weary ears, hearing the group discussion over and over again, to make sure i don't miss a word. It hurts to hear the same conversation going repeatitively, but it's weirder to hear your own voice recorded. i sound funny, don't i?

Anyway, my blog is finally viewable now, and i got the comic below from my friend. Old, but it's hilarious. Like life, things can turnout unexpectedly. Eh?



A few hours back, i saw E (the girl mentioned in one of my post), at mamak. I was surprised to see her after not seeing her for ages. But I didn't entertained her, as i had to go back home and get this assignment done. Plus, Alywn got his hands full chatting with her.

Excuse me will i get up from this seat.

*yawn*








Love & Peace!~


BC?


Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Cool! Noobs!


While sending the thesis i helped Enoch edit, i stumbled into this cool program. It's called Gmail chat!

Yen Yen called out to me, as i was busy checking my e-mail. Apparently, this is also her first time using it, as she was online looking for materials for her assignment. Few minutes later, she alerted me that Lily was online, and i asked her for her contact.

After adding Lily in, i talked to her, who interestingly appear to use this program for the first time.

Noobs we are? Yes, we're noobs. Not the feeder kind of noob, but the newbie, first-timer kind.

Might try using this more often in the future.

Add me to your list!


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Friday, March 17, 2006

The Rojak Series #11

It has been awhile since i've written anything here. It's just that with my hectic schedule and my all time favourite excuse (READ: No Internet access at home.), i didn't have the time to update my blog. But since i'm in the Internet Lab now, i'm sqeezing time to do this.

Dear faithful readers, it's time for TRS:

1. COWBOY BEBOP


Yes! I finally got a hold of this DVD set (and at an affordable price of RM 24!)

Though it maybe purchased from Kotaraya, but i believe the ori seal there is legitimate.

So far, i've watched till the 16th episode, almost finishing the second out of the three DVDs. And i can testify; it's good!

Basically, it's about a group of space cowboys going around catching baddies for bounties. Besides the humour and storyline, this series has a good English voice over (the original, i suppose) and outragous soundtrack.

If rock, jazz and blues are what the doctor ordered in your anime, this is it!

Now, i wanna get the soundtrack(s) and SAMURAI 7. Any recommendation on what anime to get?



2. Movies watched.

Till today, i've watched PINK PANTHER and FUN WITH DICK AND JANE.



If you're looking for a concrete storyline and character development, by all means, avoid both movies.

But for fun and laughter, THESE ARE the movies to watch!

I still haven't watched UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION (which surprisingly managed to be shown in local cinemas, unlike the first one) and still waiting for the release of V FOR VENDETTA. Now that's something to look forward to!








3. CDs i bought



In the pass two weeks, i've bought a few music CDs after a few months of not purchasing any.

Among the CDs i bought are:

i. SWITCHFOOT - THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN

ii. THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS - MOVE ALONG

iii. LO - THE FALL


Ever since i heard SWITCHFOOT, on MP3 and on local airwaves, i've always wanted to get hold of it. Plus, Sui Li lend me her CD (pirated one) and i got hooked to it! I told myself that i must get it!

And last week i managed to get it! Unfortunately, it has issues with my radio/CD player. Apparently, it makes funny noises when i put it in. Looks like i have to hear it elsewhere.


MOVE ALONG is definately a good buy! The songs in them are good, especially the title track, Move Along.They rock! And i was shocked to discover that the foreman, Tyson Ritter is also the bassist of the group!

Besides Sting and Melina of Tempermental, there are a few bassist who actually leads the band and sings at the same time.

This inspired me to improve my bass guitar skills and my singing skills as well. I hope in the future i can do both.

However, the layout for the lyrics are horrible. Honestly, i do love the idea of having the actual lyircs that were written on hotel paper and drafts being the printed out for sale, but it's just too hard to read them. But then again, they rock lah!







Got LO - THE FALL for Sui Li. I sent her an SMS when i saw it in (guess where) Carrefour! And she immediately replied, asking me to get it. Bought it at the same time as Move Along album.

IF you have heard Jason Lo's previous work, you might enjoy this even more! And the track The End of The Universe is not in here lah, Sui Li. Oops....


4. I'm Sick

That's why i was absent from classes yesterday. I had to sleep all day. And this isn't improving the fact that there are deadlines to meet. I guess a lot of people are stressed up over this matter.

I'm still on feeling well. I really want to go home now.




Love & Peace!~


BC?







Thursday, March 16, 2006

If she was still around, she'll be 49 today.


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Friday, March 03, 2006

Another blunder.

Yesterday was another blunder as well lah!

Man, the cost of assuming things is steep! And that's what happened yesterday afternoon regarding my midterm for Ad Copywriting.

Since Mr Roland announced about the test last week, i kept thinking that it would be held in the during lecture time, which is about 4 pm. So, i've decided to study more after my Multimedia Tools lecture class. But yesterday, the lecture ended early, a quarter before 2. So, i've decided to continue my game of SUDOKU. And i manage to finish it by 2!

It's a bittersweet thing, since 2 pm is also the time when the midterm begins! I don't know whether to laugh or to cry lah. Fortunately, we started a little later, since the hall needed to be arranged. And i used the time to just breeze through my notes lah. I finished the two hour test in an hour and a half, not because i didn't know what to write, but Joshua was waiting for me to go to PD Block and i've done whatever i could write. Staying in the hall a minute longer wouldn't make a difference.

More blunder to come as i arrive at PD block.

The accounts i did for the Jan 2006 Orientation Ice-breaking and Telematch accounts didn't tally, and a receipt was missing! I had to do the WHOLE thing again! But fortunately, i've found that missing receipt last night at home. But the bigger blunder is yet to come.

After the accounts meeting in the Student Affairs Dept., the Dept Head called me in. She talked about the article i wrote for THE R.AGE.

And if you did read the article i wrote, and caught the sub-liminal message in it, you know what i mean. (I would go into details about it) we talked about that, as she wasn't that pleased about some parts we wrote. Not that our articles sucked, just that we touched some sensitive part.

Wouldn't go there, but the bottom line is that, writers need to be more sensitive about what we write. Whatever it maybe, we can create ripples to the audience, and it reflects on who we are.

I need to be more sensitive in things i do to avoid blunders.


PS Pablo Francisco is hilariously funny!





Love & Peace!~


BC?

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Blundering Blunder!

There's nothing that can ruinned your whole day like a blunder.

E.g. forgetting to switch the car lights off before leaving the car.

And that was what i did exactly! I only discovered this when i wanted to start the car, and it just wouldn't. That left me here in my campus, Yen Yen, Hoi Yen and Eu Wah transport-less to Sec 14 McDonald's, and the other classmates arriving there before us.

I then took a rain check, walked back to the campus, while the three girls walked all the way to McD. Boy, was i frustrated. So, i've decided to call up my brothers to obtain the jump-start cables.

BUT when both my brothers didn't have the wires, i had to resort to my last option; calling my father!

The thing is, my father isn't very pleased with me since last week, as the PDA was wrecked. It appeared that the LCD display had a crack and it bleed, rendering it unusable for the moment.

Anyway, this didn't help improve the situation. My dad was frustrated and he was scolding me over the phone like mad. Not did i miss out on having fellowship with my friends in McD, but now my dad is lecturing me! AH, the agony!

He said he would come to my campus before two, which mean i had a lot of time to spare in the campus. In that time, i typed out society proposal, did some stuff for Iggy's Homegroup, and read the newspaper.

As the clock showed 1:30 pm, my dad gave me a call, saying that he has arrived. I bolted out of my campus, saw his car, and directed him to my car. There, i got off and tried starting my car as my dad instructed me to.

To my horror... IT STARTED PROPERLY! I guess it's because of the car battery lah. It's the dry type, where you don't need to put battery water in it. I sighed in relief, but at the same time frustrated as not only did i not get to do the things i wanted, but i wasted my dad's time.

I apologised to him and left the car running for awhile. He was cool then, zooming off towards Segamat where his meeting was while i was in the now ok car eating siew paus he gave. All i had to do was to wait for CF to begin.

CF meeting was encouraging. Not that the fact that we had to cancel Movie Day at the last minute, but we had a in-depth and essential discussion to replace that meeting. We now know where we've gone wrong, from the prespective of the new members like Joanne Lee and Dewgem.

I believe from there, the CF should strive together. And if there are problems occuring, we need to step back, analyse the problem, and try solving it. That was sort of what we did in the meeting lah till it ended before 5 pm.

FOCUS in unity, that should be the theme for now. And i don't want it to be a blunder again.




Love & Peace!~


BC?